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Getting the food service at St. Xavier University to change from plastic to biodegradable cups doesn't seem like it's a big deal.

But for Guadalupe Avila, a senior at the Sisters of Mercy-sponsored school in Chicago, it showed that she and her fellow members of Students for Social Justice can make a difference when it comes to the earth's environmental future.

More than 170 evangelical leaders have sent President Barack Obama a letter backing a Clean Power Plan that will reduce carbon dioxide emissions from coal-burning power plants.

The plan, which is expected to be released Monday, aims to cut carbon pollution by 30 percent from 2005 levels. Coal industry leaders have said the plan will increase costs and have a minimal effect on climate change.

The letter from evangelicals says that 230,000 "pro-life Christians" have contacted the Environmental Protection Agency in support of the plan.

As he stepped down as president, George Washington warned the republic against entangling alliances with foreign states. The Farewell Address warned against both long-term hostilities and extended friendly relationships. On both counts, he showed foresight.

Anti-gay activists, including conservative clerics, traditional elders and politicians, are threatening to resist any push by President Barack Obama for gay rights during his Kenya visit later this week, with tactics that range from throwing rotten eggs to marching naked and boycotting his speeches.

Already, forces are arrayed against the nuclear agreement reached in Vienna, even though the ink has barely dried on the 100-page document. The lead antagonist is of course Israel, led by its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Along with Israel, the second most significant group in opposition consists of members of the United States Congress.